Post-Election Prospects: As Alberta transitions under the direction of a newly elected federal government, business owners and investors across the province are taking stock of what this may mean for our economic landscape. For those of us active in Calgary’s industrial real estate sector, understanding how potential policy shifts could affect our clients and market activity is top of mind.
1. Tracking Economic Certainty and a Pro-Business Climate
The Calgary industrial real estate market relies heavily on a stable, predictable business environment. Any new taxes, red tape, or regulatory hurdles could put pressure on investment and business expansion. We’ll be closely watching for signals from the new government on whether it intends to maintain or disrupt Alberta’s historically competitive tax structure and open-for-business approach.
Calgary has long been the cost-effective alternative to the bigger centers of Vancouver and Toronto. It’s essential that this remains true, or we risk seeing capital and tenants look elsewhere.
2. Clean Energy Sector Growth: Opportunity with Caution
The province’s entry into clean technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable energy may present opportunities to some industrial landlords and increase the demand for Calgary industrial real estate, especially for properties near innovation zones or with specialized infrastructure. (Hydrogen Alberta), However, businesses are wise to remain cautious about relying too heavily on government-backed industries, which can shift with political winds.
We’re seeing interest from companies in these spaces, but sustainable growth will depend on clear, business-friendly execution and private-sector participation, not bureaucracy.
3. Infrastructure: Now That Key Projects Are Complete, What’s Next?
With major infrastructure like the Calgary Ring Road now complete, Calgary’s industrial market is already seeing benefits, especially for distribution, transportation, and logistics users. Properties with direct access to these routes are experiencing stronger demand and higher absorption rates.
The question now is where the next round of investment will go. Will the province make investments in utility and road infrastructure in satellite industrial areas like Rocky View County, Conrich, or Southeast Calgary? Continued infrastructure expansion will be essential for unlocking new land supply and supporting long-term industrial growth.
4. Labour Force: Building a Strong, Local Talent Pipeline
Access to skilled labour continues to be one of the most important factors affecting Alberta’s industrial sector. For manufacturers, logistics providers, and construction-related businesses, finding qualified trades and support staff remains a growing concern.
Now more than ever, we need a focused approach to developing a strong, local talent pipeline. That involves investing in trades education, supporting apprenticeship programs, and removing barriers that prevent people from entering or staying in these vital careers.
If the government is to support long-term economic growth, it needs to get its education, training, and employment programs aligned with real business needs without making it unnecessarily complex with red tape or policy bloat.
What It Means for Calgary’s Industrial Market
As policy takes shape in the coming months, Calgary’s industrial real estate sector remains one of the most resilient and strategically located in Canada. Our team continues to track regulatory changes, market trends, and development activity, so our clients can make smart, informed decisions, regardless of political outcomes.
Looking Ahead—Let’s Talk
Navigating Alberta’s evolving policy landscape requires insight, preparation, and a proactive strategy. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or business owner with industrial real estate interests, we’re here to help you make sense of the changes and seize the right opportunities.
Contact our team today to discuss how these trends could impact your real estate plans—and how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Sources:
Investing in our post-secondary system | Alberta.ca
Area Structure Plans | Rocky View County
Citywide Growth Strategy: Industrial – The City of Calgary
Air Products plans network of hydrogen refueling stations in Canada
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/clean-fuels/hydrogen-strategy
